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I thought, Max!

Torin’s eyes opened. He grasped my wrist, and forced out the words, “Daena let anyone ken we are here…”

“What do you mean?”

He weakly let go of my wrist. “Daena let anyone ken…”

He fell asleep again. I frowned, none of this was good.

Someone was coming. The horse steps echoed around. Men had entered the courtyard. Was it Max? Or the Uncles?

I wasn’t going to go out but I pressed my ear to the door. Men’s voices called to each other, startling after hours of silence out there. I pulled the door open a crack, and peered out. Down at the far end of the corridor was an open archway and the courtyard beyond, I saw a horse go by.

I pulled back into the room, softly closed the door, but kept my hand on it.

If I didn’t go see, I wouldn’t know.

Was it my family, looking for us? Or danger?

I built my nerve, stepped out, and crept to the end of the corridor. I pressed against the cool stone wall and peered out through the shadows of the archway.

9

ALEXANDRIA

1308 - STRANGERS ARRIVE AT THE ABBEY

At least five men — maybe more lingering near the gate — standing with their horses, their cloaks mud-spattered. Three of them were clustered together speaking in low, urgent tones to one of the monks.

I didn’t recognize any of them.

The tallest carried himself like a lord, broad through the shoulder, dark hair slicked back from the rain, a face that looked too worn down to smile. Beside him stood a lean younger man, wiry-haired, sharp-eyed, restless. He looked edgy, not to be crossed. A third man, ginger and freckled, broad-shouldered and still, watched the yard carefully. All three men wore the tunics of the day, but the ginger man had a plaid wrapped around his shoulders that bore familiar colors.

They were all armed. I wished I had remembered to carry the gun — then suddenly the ginger man met my eyes. His brow went up.

I ducked back into the shadows, but not before he called, “Ho, mistress! Come out where we can see ye.”

Shit, I was seen.

I pressed against the wall, pulse thundering in my ears, but he was coming this way.

I turned and ran back to our room with footsteps echoing behind me. Three sets, I realized with a spike of fear. The men were following me.

Their voices carried, “Brother, who else shelters here tonight?”

I slipped inside our room, easing the door almost closed, leaving just a crack.

They were checking side chambers as they came, banging doors open, searching rooms.

I felt cornered and really scared.

I whispered, “Torin?”

He moaned.

Dude lifted his head from the foot of the bed, ears pricked. I pressed my back to the wall beside the door.

The footsteps drew closer. A pause at the next room. Dude jumped off the bed and hid under it.